European and Japanese ISACs sign cybersecurity partnership agreement

European and Japanese information sharing and analysis centres have formally established their partnership in conducting activities to ensure cybersecurity.The agreement between the the European Energy – Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (EE-ISAC) and the Japan Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (JE-ISAC) was signed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Dutch Embassy in Japan, mister Aurélio Blanquet (Chair of EE-ISAC) and mister Katsuyuki Abe (Secretary General of JE-ISAC).

According to a release, the agreement marks the starting point of a close relationship between EE-ISAC and JE-ISAC in order to maintain a stable supply of energy.

Shared vision

The partnership, adds the release, will include information exchange on regulations and guidelines, good practices in cybersecurity provision and other cyber security related matters, and organising networking events for building trust. Both parties respect each other’s independent activities and pay close attention to their members’ sensitive information related to cybersecurity.

These activities will be in line with the shared vision of both organisations that the increased connectivity of the smart grid to the internet brings very real and new risks to the energy industry. Cybersecurity is no longer just a question of protecting corporate IT systems; cyber-threats are now directed at (inter)national critical infrastructures, resulting in an urgent need for a collaborative approach at this level.

Information Sharing and Analysis Centres (ISACs) are industry-driven, information sharing network of trust in which both private utilities and solution providers and (semi)public institutions such as academia, governmental and non-profit organizations share valuable information on cyber security and cyber resilience.

The signing ceremony took place during the ONE Conference organised by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NL) of the Ministry of Security and Justice of the Netherlands. NCSC-NL is a member of the EE-ISAC.

EE-ISAC will also organise an Open House Member Meeting on the 18th of May in The Hague. Regular EE-ISAC Member Meetings include trusted information sharing and are only open to members, but the afternoon programme on the 18th of May will be open to utility guests by invitation.